Hamilton's legal high shops banned

SHUT: Hamilton East community trust chairperson Lois Livingston is pleased the U njoY puff shop on Grey Street has been temporarily closed.

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After months of pressure from residents, politicians and a campaign by the Waikato Times, the sale of legal highs has been temporarily banned at six Hamilton puff shops.

In a move hailed as a success, the Ministry of Health announced its decision to suspend the licences of the sellers last night, following the adoption of Hamilton City Council's psychoactive substances policy late last month.

The stores have been banned from selling the products for 21 days effective immediately.

Further regulatory action, which could include lifting the suspensions or cancelling licences, will be taken after the ministry has investigated the council's policy more thoroughly.

Mr Dunne, who holds portfolio responsibility for psychoactive substances, said Hamilton was one of the first councils to adopt a psychoactive substances policy.

Under council rules adopted two weeks ago, legal high sellers were restricted to the city centre and had to operate at least 100m away from sensitive sites, effectively shutting down existing retailers temporarily.

Sensitive sites include - but are not limited to - schools, places of worship, community facilities and public spaces.

The Waikato River, the river walkway, public toilets and "key bus stops" are also classified as sensitive.

Currently, licensed legal high sellers can't move to a new address or apply for a new licence.

Applications for full retail licences are expected to be available mid-2015.